Training Adventure Dogs

Recently, I have had a few new puppy clients express their fear of creating “trauma” in their puppy’s life as a result of implementing structure and training.

There is this all too common misconception that if your puppy cries in the crate or doesn’t immediately walk with you on a leash then you will instantly create a permanently “negative” association from that experience. If that were true, then what do you do? Because these same owners are struggling with destructive chewing, house training, terrorizing their kids, etc.

Here’s the hard truth, you can not make everything in your dog’s life – positive, nor does it need to be.

Structure is essential in puppy raising.

Structure creates opportunities to prevent unwanted behaviors as well as the ability to reinforce desired behaviors each day.

Dogs do not thrive with unbridled freedom.

Training is essential in puppy raising.

Training is the language you speak to your dog, it is how you build and grow your relationship with your dog.

The BEST thing that you can do to raise a confident and well behaved dog is to TEACH them how to overcome stress and discomfort because it is an inevitable part of life. For example, not many puppies are thrilled to receive vaccinations or to get their first nail trim but we CAN teach a puppy how to handle that stress or discomfort via working on cooperative handling which as a result, makes it much LESS stressful or uncomfortable. Training through triggers that cause your puppy stress or something that they simply do not want to do – may feel difficult in that moment, but it IS the most positive thing that you can do in the long run.

If you and your puppy are struggling with crate training, utilizing a leash or more – don’t give up! Because your puppy is looking to you for guidance and the only “traumatic” thing you CAN teach your puppy is not to be able trust your leadership when they are stressed or unsure. Otherwise, love your puppy by providing daily structure and training. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.